Sunday, December 25, 2011

Hi everyone!! I'm back from what was an incredible vacation, but that is a post for another time. Today, my post is all about one thing, CHRISTMAS!!! So, in that spirit, here are some "presents" to make sure that your day is merry and bright (and warm). (NOTE: In the next few days, look for a "What I Made For Christmas" post as well as the inevitable presents post and a recap of some of the beautiful scenery of Big Bear Lake, California.)

These adorable kittens can't help but make you smile. Video found on YouTube.

NOBODY MESSES WITH SANTA!!!!!!(uploaded by ostapmusic on YouTube)

Okay, so maybe this one, uploaded on YouTube by ahkunsaajo, is a little gross. But come on, it does make you laugh!!!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Okay, so maybe it's not quite a MANSION, but you have to give it some credit. Usually, I'm not very good at making gingerbread houses (I find that the frosting is never sticky enough). This particular kit, however, came from Trader Joe's, and I must say that the assembly was incredibly easy.

It was a little more work (to make the frosting you had to actually beat an egg white, lemon juice and their mix together) than a normal gingerbread house, but it made the frosting almost customizable to the texture that you wanted. The above photo is the house before I decorated it. Besides the easy assembly, I loved the little details on the house (roof tiles, grass) and the fact that the kit had little people that you could put in the yard. (Do all kits have those? I don't know, but they sure are cute.)

See, they're adorable! Anyway, if there is a negative comment that I had about this kit, it's that the actual taste of the gingerbread wasn't very good. I'm not saying it was horrible, but you know that it wasn't the greatest when two weeks later it has not been completely devoured by the inhabitants of my house.

For the roof, I had some gold dust that usually comes out like powdered sugar when dusted on, so I thought that a I would use it as snow. However, an accidental smudge of one clump of powder gave me the epiphany that you were supposed to brush on the dust for the desired gold effect (if you are sitting there laughing at my stupidity, know this, the bottle didn't come with directions:) Anyway, my gingerbread palace ended up witha beautiful brushed gold roof.

Now, I'm sure there's someone out there who thought that this post was going to be about some crazy intricate gingerbread castle, and for you I do not disappoint.

Victorian Christmas is the title of this piece which I found here. The next picture is a replica of a San Francisco street and was found on the same site.

So which house was the best? In my only partially-biased opinion, I think that my "mansion" wins (JK!!!). Comment your opinion!!! And if you want to try a gingerbread house of your own, remember to think outside of the box. you don't have to be a pro to make something that will look adorable and taste good too.
Kisses,
Anonymous
P.S. For the next few days I will be in Big Bear, California. I will try and post on my laptop while there, but if that proves impossible, I'll give you guys an update and more soon!!!)

Monday, December 19, 2011

Earlier while looking around on topshop.com I came across this magnificent red dress.

It's a little more daring than most of my wardrobe, but the color is what really got me going. Lately I've been attracted to this hue, but I've yet to buy any pieces in this particular shade. But, I think it's time I grabbed at least one piece in this color (maybe not this one, but...) Anyway, if you like the shade as much as I do, here are some other pieces to get you inspi-red.

(all of the dresses above are from topshop.com)
So what do you think? Yes? No? Will you get in on this trend? Comment!!
'Till Next Time,
Anonymous

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Just a short post today, but this time it's not Christmas related. While I was browsing on saksfifthavenue.com, I saw this strapless Rebecca Taylor dress at a heavily discounted price and felt that I should post about it.

Usually, such a flowery dress would be reserved for spring, but with some tights, black pumps and possibly a jacket to keep out the chill, I think that this is the perfect holiday party frock. (Textured Rose Strapless Dress, was $495, now $178.19, saksfifthavenue.com)

Saturday, December 17, 2011

So maybe I'm becoming a little holiday obsessed, but come on, I only get the chance to go Christmas crazy once a year. Anyway, these Christmas lights (which can be found here) are amazing. Yes, the video is a little long, but I especially love the beginning. I'll admit, my house isn't nearly as festive (all we have is a wreath and some fake trees lining the yard), but it's nice to think that someone took the time to completely get into the holiday spirit. And...

...in case those lights weren't enough for you, here are some more incredible displays.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Admit it, you have a fantasy somewhere in the back of your mind about the perfect Christmas present. For me it would be a trip to Paris. For my dad it would be a pinball machine (Note: that is not an impossible dream as it may will come true this year.) So what is yours? Well, if you are not quite sure yet, here are just a few incredible gifts to fantasize about.

This Alexander Wang purse is TO DIE FOR!!!! Unfortunately, it's not in my price range this Christmas. For some reason I find it hard to spend THAT much money on a single purse. That being said, the quality by far justifies the cost. So dream, or by, whatever, will satisfy you. (Alexander Wang Diego with Rhodium Hardware, $1075, alexanderwang.com.)

Okay, so the picture may not make that much sense, but what you are looking at is a plane flying over Antarctica. That's right, for $4950, you can take an overnight expedition to the continent via "King Air." So perhaps this one is not for everyone (I would be terrified), but for any adventurers out there, I've got you covered.

To get married on Christmas. Maybe a good thing (best present ever!!), but maybe bad (there is a selfish person in all of us, and don't think that in a couple of years he won't just get you one present for both occasions) (Crap, that was REALLY selfish).

The chance to see the Eiffel Tower in the middle of winter, gorgeous. Yes, this does fall into MY wish (trip to Paris) but I figure that others like me dream of seeing the city (yes, many have been, but there are some of us who can only day-dream about the romance). (photo courtesy of popartuk.com)

Yes, there are many more ultimate presents, but these are just a few that completely knock me off of my feet. What are your dream presents? Do you dream of going to Paris? Have you already been? Comment, comment, comment!!!
Kisses,
Anonymous

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Hi everyone!! It's time for the second post in the Holiday Gift Guide! This time I'm going to sort out each present and who I would personally give it to in order to make sure that there is something for everyone on your list. So, let's get started.

Parents
For Mom:

My mom loves to cook, so to play to that while still keeping it Christmas-y and fun, I think that the perfect gift for her is this Mrs. Claus apron. (Santa Apron, $34.95, Paper Source) Or, if your mom already has one of those...

...everyone loves chocolate!!!!(Holiday Fancy, $19, See's Candies) (yes, I am aware that nineteen is less than twenty, congratulations, you saved a buck!!!!)

And for Dad:
Finding gifts for Dad can be hard, especially for us girls. But, to find the perfect gift, you have to get into a guy's mindset. If this concept scares you though, I've done the work for you.

Yes, a Blu Ray player. What is more perfect than that? (Toshiba HD Blu Ray Player, $79.99, FRYS.com)Significant Others/Boyfriends/Girlfriends
For the Guys:

What guy wouldn't want a cool, new tablet. Plus, it's only $99.99 at FRYS.com

For the Ladies:

This Victoria Townsend ring from Macy's is simply gorgeous. The sterling silver and white and black diamond is making me salivate. It should be expensive right? Wrong. With a special sale that is going on right now at macys.com you can get this $150 ring for $49.99. I would say that it is the best deal so far. BFF'S
Because every best friend deserves a little recognition, I would recommend getting your best gal pal...

These $96 Ash sandals from bluefly.com. They are 70% off right now, so I would hurry up and get in on this great deal. Now, perhaps some of you are hesitant about buying sandals in the middle of winter, but trust me, the warm is on the way, and once things heat up, these will become one of your friends favorite pairs. (and while you're online, why not buy a pair for yourself?)For the Kids:
Honestly, it depends how old they are. For seven and under I would give this adorable holiday barbie.

($29 at amazon.com)
But, if they are of the older kind, I would suggest a iTunes gift card.

So there you are, a gift $20-$100 for every person on your list. Hope it helped you out with your last minute holiday shopping.
Kisses,
Anonymous
P.S. Coming soon: "Insane Gifts That We Might Never Buy but That it is Fun to Dream About"

Monday, December 12, 2011

Okay, so, in preparation for the fast approaching holidays, I'm planning on doing a series of posts involving the best gifts to give at any price range. We'll start with $20 and under.

Look, I'm not a huge fan of Lego's, or anything of the sort, but this iPhone case from amazon.com has me amazed. It's only $19.99, which is a huge bonus, but the coolest thing is what the case actually does.

Yep, that's right, you can design (and re-design) your case again and again using SmallWorks bricks. You have to admit that's pretty cool.

Sometimes the best gifts you receive aren't the most expensive. I just love the idea of giving a loved one a scrapbook, decorated of course, filled with all of your favorite memories. This K&Company scrapbook is a perfect example. Plus, it's only $17.

This handbag from Claire's is a steal at only $18. True, it isn't going to live up to the high quality standards that most of us fashionistas are used to. However, I do have a bag similar to this, and it has lasted me two years of intense service (it's the only bag I have that is big enough to hold books) and stayed in fairly good condition. So, I would think that this bag would do the same.

This Forever 21 necklace is beautiful, right? Well, guess what, it's only $6.80. That means that you could get this, plus...

...these, and...

...these lovely bangles, and, gasp, still be under budget. I call that a good deal.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

This is one of my favorite times of the year. It is filled with delectable hot chocolate, the chance to wear your favorite pair of boots, and you can turn on any radio station and listen to a Christmas carol. Below are just a few things to get you in the holiday mood.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Sorry for the lack of posts in the last couple weeks, I've been having some MAJOR technical difficulties. So, let's hope it works this time!!

I know that this blog is brand new, but I have a feeling that you don't want to just read a bunch of welcome posts, so I figure I should just start posting like I've known every one of you my entire life.

Now, I do know that I have missed fashion month all together, but I still want to do a few posts on it. So here's a recap of my two favorite ready-to-wear shows (pictures courtesy of style.com).

Valentino was amazing. Revealing yet sweet, showing some skin without going overboard, I was truly falling in love. Plus, his craftsmanship and tailoring is just so darn perfect.

I love the fact that this dress is a perfect play on everyone's favorite LBD. The neckline is fairly conservative, but there is a deep V-neck because of the see-through material.To me that’s the epitome of classy hotness.

Red. Lace. Glory. That is all.

And now, to continue, Alice and Olivia.From the first time I saw their clothes, I’ve been inspired and this collection is no different.Even though each garment finds a place in a different era, the 2012 Spring ready-to-wear collection was exremely cohesive.

This piece is one of my favorites.It’s rare that you find a sheer piece that is one hundred percent wearable, and well, fun.

Do I even need words to describe how absolutely adorable this dress is?Okay, so it’s not the most original, but it’s a piece that is totally wearable and that can be styled in about a billion different ways, so it gets an A+ in my book.

The bow blouse isn’t making me salivate, but it’s the skirt that really is captivating.On first glance, the varied shades of grey look almost dirty, but upon closer inspection we find that it’s actually an incredible layering job and a captivating fabric.

This dress would be perfect for a girls’ night out, sparkly and fun, but not too in your face.I also love the juxtaposition of the flirty dress with the more masculine blazer.

Overall, both collections had so many great pieces (most of which didn’t even make this post).Fashion truly is an art, and both of these lines have proven that to be true.